Affiliations: Pediatric Urodynamics Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Jianguo Wen, Pediatric Urodynamics Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China. Tel.: +86 037166295228; Fax: +86 037166916096; E-mail: wenjg111@gmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Neurogenic bladder (NB) is a common pediatric urological disease caused by a variety of neurological pathologies. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) has been the preferred method to empty bladder. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of CIC on preserving bladder and upper urinary tract function in infants less than 1 year old with NB. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 76 infants with NB. Patients were divided into two groups according to treatment initiation: the early CIC group (ECG) (<1 year old) and the late CIC group (LCG) (>3 years old). RESULTS:Bladder compliance (BC), safe bladder capacity (SBC) and maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) were significantly higher in the ECG than those in the LCG at 6 years of follow-up respectively (P < 0.05). The frequencies of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and urinary tract infection (UTI) in the ECG were significantly lower than those in the LCG (P < 0.05) at 6 years of follow-up. Two and nine patients exhibited mild renal damage in the ECG and LCG, respectively, resulting in a significant difference (P < 0.05) at 6 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION:Early CIC plays an important role in preserving bladder function and preventing UTI and renal deterioration in infants with NB, especially in the first year of life.
